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By the time we took a break I was exhausted.

Running ten laps all around this mammoth ground with only an interval between every two laps is really exhausting.

Oh, this was not exercising. This was a bet which they dragged me to be a part of it.

Alex excitedly said that I would be the best rider if I let him train me and I said I would be the best rider if Nat trained me. It was silly at first but then we intensified and finally Nat said, who completes ten laps around the entire practice ground first will win their decision. On their mark; get, set; I was so not ready! But, they dragged me and I finished my ten laps by one hour.

I was red with exhaustion and to a point where I was about to burst, but, as Nat won the argument, she said she will coach me. And I raised my hands and wiggled my bum to show that I was happy. Everyone laughed at my stupid gesture and after smiling sheepishly, I lay back; flat on my back in the dusty ground. Alex did the same, with Nat by my other side.

"I like your will power, angel."

"Oh, thanks..."

"You will get to be a great rider and I am already so proud of you."

"Oh Alex...don't forget I am right here." Nat whined while I giggled making face at Alex's back which was now covered with dust. But, that only led him and Nat to laugh at my back when they saw that I was actually carrying the whole ground. Well; I shouldn't have laughed.

Finally after three hours of resting, my legs felt foreign to me and I was not able to walk properly. That felt weird and thus; practice canceled.

Laughter was the therapy for the depressed mind. And to laugh like you mean it, you need friends and pizzas. After the dark age of my life, now I am in the light with Alex as the sun and Nat being my axis. I can't help feeling, where I was few months back and where am I now, a few months later. Indeed, Lord has planned for he is the best of planners and I mentally calculated to go to the Sunday sermon as soon as possible. In deed for every pain, there is an award and for every tear there will be laughter. You just have to wait for it. And indeed, for the patient ones, there is always bliss. I learned that now; I have lived my mom's words and I am in bliss.

I watched the buzzing energy around me and felt revived for everything. Alex was watching me with a glint in his eyes and that made my stomach twist a knot. Staring at him, I bit on the strawberries and drank the wine, trying to be sexy and wondered if my Adam's apple moved an inch. Well, seeing his throat bob up and down, I am feeling goose bumps racing through my body. He shifted in his seats and I saw the reason for it which made me laugh. His face was painted pink and Nat knowing our exchange turned her face and giggled.

"So buddies, I don't want to stay here and laugh to destitution. Let's do something."

"I say Brono, let's hit the club. It's been so long, hasn't it?"

"Oh yes, it's been ages we went as a pack. Let's hit the dance floor." Stacey hollered and I tried to get up.

"Are you okey?"

"Yes, I can manage."

***

"NO... we can do it!"

"But, the people are back for the rock artist's comeback. If we fake it, we will..."

"Shut up and do as I say..."

"But..."

"Your last wish is not to be food for the piranhas is it?"

"No sir."

"Ok... so, we will start with a few beats and then the lead singer, that being me will fake something and rush back and you will get on stage saying the concert is cancelled because the lead singer is not well. You will sob throughout the announcement and don't forget... wear similar clothes that look like his back vocalist."

"I am scared."

"You are a piece of... let me know when it's done... you don't want your sister to be hanged in front of my dudes and named a price, do you?"

"You are a MONSTER."

"Well, no one is born a monster; everyone becomes one when they find that life is in fact a monster in glittered clothes. I consider it as a compliment. Now leave."

***

The club was different today. As our jeep halted in the parking lot, all of those who were gathered around looked at us like we were some kind of alien. I was scared by the different atmosphere.

"What is happening in here?" Nat wondered aloud as Alex turned to her and stared at the crowd. We stood there like the lost crew and I felt like giggling. But, then we would look sinister. We walked in where people started commenting to themselves or whisper in each other's ears. Alex was the main target. Many looked at him with anger and rage.

"You fake... give us back our money."

"You Liar... I will report you to the police."

"Oh why did you have to do that when you yourself are considered to be a celebrity?"

"Did you want to buy fame for your fat ass girlfriend?"

The many comments irritated us but Alex held his composure and walked in to the club where the manager was leaving his cabin in hurry. As he saw Alex, he ushered us lot into his cabin and shut the door heavily making the keys and the curtain rattle along with the frenzy.

"What the... Alex, are you out of your mind and money?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Why did you fake and left the stage early? Now, look the people are mad as anything and they will rip you and me off. They have been..."

"JIM... calm down and..."

"WHAT... calm DOWN??? Are you out of your senses? We are talking about the loss of half a million dollars Alex."

"What?"

"Yes. Tell me once and for all, why did you fake and left the stage?"

"JIM... what stage? What did I fake?"

"Last Saturday; were you not the one who called and booked a comeback with us as a black Raven gang lead vocalist? The show pulled lots of audience in and we made quite a luxury. But, I got suspicious and wanted to ask you, why you collected the money yourself without allowing the club to handle it and then... puff! The money and the vocalist are gone and now you come..."

"Hold on... hold on... Black what?"

"Black Raven Gang... BRG... here is the pamphlet."

"This is handmade and then photocopied. Well, Jim you have been fooled by someone so clever for I did not manage a comeback whatsoever."

"WHAT"

"I am saying the truth. You of all people know that I will not hold any concert when the stunt competition is near."

"What? You are playing this year?"

"When have I stopped? You know I am looking forward to the grand competition this year, right!"

"Oh my, I forgot it. I have been fooled. There is someone playing games and..."

The knock was what we needed to gain back out consciousness. Nothing made senses right now. I was so confused and irritated. In between the commotion, I don't know when I held onto Alex for consoling him. His hands were white; so white against the lush green velvet sofa. Sighing deeply; I turned around to saw an inspector walking in after greeting us.

"Hello Mr. Alex; how do you do?"

"Good; Mr...."

"Mr. Samuel. I got a call from an angry teenager saying that you were right now right here in the club after playing fraud and robbed them out of the day light. Well, I have heard the news from several people around and knowing that you were present now in the very same club you played with; I thought I might make myself known to you... in person."

Jim excused with Samuel to another room.

Hand in hand we sat in the small box shaped humid office room nibbling anxiety. Well, it was more like me. Looking at Alex, he was considerably calm and poised, sitting elegantly as if this is not a matter concerning him; so was Nat. my insides were jittering with nervousness. Alex, after assuring me umpteenth time that everything is going to be alright, he stopped breathing words and sat there looking into infinity.

Finally Jim and Samuel walked in looking troubled.

"Alex... I can't believe someone robbed us out of the blue and that too so cunningly." Jim said in an exasperated tone while Samuel looked as proud as ever.

"I am sorry Alex for the inconvenience. I found out that the number by which the call was made didn't match any of your gang. As of now you are free to go, but you should report when called. You may go."

"Inspector, I appreciate your work and I can assure you it was indebted. But, if you could properly look into the matter rather than beating around the same bush, you can unbind me totally from the top of your suspect list. I earn a lot with my current profession and I am in no urge to drink money. Plus, I have thrown down my singing career long back and I have no intention to look at that side. So if you will excuse me, I have a practice to consider."

By saying that Alex walked out leaving us behind; we stood there looking at the stunned inspector whose face was now the color of ripe tomato. Looking at us and staring at the retreating back of Alex, he stormed out like a penguin running for life. Nat was looking super excited as we exited the room. As we reached to our car, Alex and Jim were talking through cigarette smoke.

"This is really grave; I cannot even believe this... they stole us from under my nose."

"What exactly happened that day Jim." Alex threw the stub down and stomped on it, taking a mint gum into his mouth. He looked deep in thoughts which made him look super sexy. Me and my thoughts

"Two weeks back, I received a phone call out of the blue which vaguely felt like you and I was super excited to know that it was you calling to say you are coming back. Honestly I planned income and lots of turnover, you know me. Well, on the day of the concert which was a few days ago, yes the third night afore... the gang walked in with over covered hood and masks and glasses and said it was their costume for their gig. So, I let them in and they started to perform which was a great start. Just when the vocals was about to begin, you, I mean the main singer fainted and two of the gang members ran with him to the backstage to his dressing room and didn't allow any of us to get in. The other lead sobbed and said, the other man was in a critical stage and needs hospitalization, and sorry for the inconvenience and the gang will perform once you will recover. Damn it, I felt there was something fishy but the ocean was big enough that night for me to get lost in the sea and this bait... had an easy escape. I wonder how come none of you noticed."

"We have been in practice. The tournaments coming soon; right now, we came here to rest. I am shocked myself that none of them called to inquire." Alex wondered the same thing that I thought.

"But, if that inspector said was true, everyone will be calling to that number in the pamphlet rather than calling you. These days, people change their number like girls change their clothes, so it was easy to change the direction." Nat was really clever at times and I simply adore her.

Alex chewed on his gum; Nat flipped her hair and swirled it with her index finger and middle one; Jim chewed his nails and I stood there watching the clouds shift.

The sound of a phone ringing brought us back to action as we all at first stumbled with our phone. Jim answered it and looked pale. Slowly he pulled it on to the speaker and the sound horrified us all.

"... You filthy old fool... your Alex is now flat... I know how to trick the police and how to eat them alive with my wit. If I have robbed you under your nose without you even knowing, I could kill him without him noticing the bullet in his head. Oh, the poison is sweet for me to share. Beware... I have a hunch with the breathing that there is company. Alex... you are dead."

The phone clicked off and the number was shown as private number. I started to cry but Alex assured me again, nothing is going to happen. Detective Jenkins happened to drop by in his cruiser and he came to us when he saw us standing in the parking lot.

"Hello fella's... hey ya Jim. Alex, I have heard about you...what brings you here? Have that idiot of a head Samuel considered you top suspect?"

(Laughing) "Yes, Jenks... I am afraid he has."

"That old fool; worry not for any kid would have ruled you out. I have a name in hand, but I'm not sure... I will handle this case by asking my chief. How's your practice coming?"

"Good. I am coming well. Thanks Detective."

"Great day"

Reluctantly we got on our vehicle and moved to the club. We believed that we didn't have to fear anyone despite the fact that Alex is having a death threat. Den was the only name that played around my mind but I should not rule one person just because he is a recluse.

We headed to the club and savored some drinks to pass time. The beat was a soft slow song and many were swaying to the melody in the dance floor. Alex pulled me in but I was too scared and drunk to sway. Finally he let me go and we munched and punched like good old friends and staggered the night away.

The urgent need to use the bathroom made me excuse the stall and I half ran to the bathroom. As I was about to reach there; a strong hand pulled me into a room in the far corner which is near to the bathroom and thus my screams would have been misunderstood as some couple having good sex. Fear bit my toe and made me go numb because the threat still lingered in the air.

"Na... I am not a hermit you twat. I have some morals. I have pulled you to warn you and no, I won't show you my face. I know who you are and why you are here. You are wasting your time here love. You are wasting your time with a mafia gang Angelina. Do you actually believe that a stunter can actually make hundred thousand dollars a year? Well then you are a fool. If you take the move, you can escape otherwise you will have to end up behind the jail..."

"Who are you?"

"Ah a-a... I haven't finished talking. Alex and Natalie... what do you think about that? They are a couple, partners. Here is a folder which you should only open when you are alone. Now you may not believe me, but when you do... thank my silhouette and if you are ready for revenge... there is a number in the last photo. Contact me only through that number and never... I repeat never pass the number. You will one day thank me. I hate Alex for he cheated my sister for the same reason as you."

"What?"

"Something really good for his deeds; a cover to his plans... maybe"

"He was using me?"

"I won't say that... I have morals. But, after looking at the files and if you believe me, call me; I am more than ready to help you."

"Who are you?"

"An old friend"

With that he opened a door which was having a strong light in the other end. So, as he suggested... there was only a silhouette making me miss his posture. I was in no place to figure out who he was. I felt like dying and felt like killing him. I felt like doing everything and I wanted to kill Fabian and Alex and Nat. But, before I let my anger to rules everything out, I decided to do something. I switched on the light which made me gag. Two girls were having their time of the life with a man and when I switched on the light, they were more than happy to include me in their circle. Closing my mouth, I ran away and stealthily exited the club to hail a taxi and go back to my place.